Five Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 13

1. Ask the Archivist. The Jackson Homestead and Museum is offering a program today called "Ask the Archivist." If you have old family photos or papers you'd like to organize, stop in for a brief consultation with Archivist/Curator Sara Goldberg. The museum is open from noon - 5 p.m. Call 617-796-1450 for more information.

2. A forum on mental health and gun control. The Newton Ward 6 Democratic Committee and the Mayor’s Crime Prevention Commission will host "A Conversation on Gun Control and Mental Health" today at 12:30 p.m. The forum's speakers include Newton State Rep. Ruth Balser, Ward 6 Alderman-at-Large Greg Schwartz, State Sen. Cindy Creem and Rabbi Barbara Penzner. The event will be held at 72 Columbus St. (Women's Club Workshop).

3. Suzuki Preschool open house. Families are welcome to stop in at the Suzuki Preschool open house today at the Newton Cultural Center to check out the programs and meet with teachers. Tours will be available as well as registration for the 2013-2014 school year. The open house starts at 2 p.m.

4. Free concert. The folk string quartet Darlingside will give a free concert this afternoon at the Newton Free Library. The performance starts at 2 p.m. and will include original selections from their CDs "EP 1" and "Pilot Machines."

5. Post on the Newton Patch Local Voices blog. Do you have some local news to share or a discussion to start? Write about it in the Newton Patch Local Voices blog. The blog is open to any Newton residents or business owners who'd like to share with the community.